Microsoft admit Live beta ‘real money’ increases were an error

Microsoft have taken steps to reassure Xbox Live members that the relative price increases seen in the latest Dash beta rollout were an unintended error.

A Microsoft representative, speaking to online site, VG247 stated:

“We are aware that select regions experienced some incorrect game title pricing in the Xbox Live beta. This was an unintended error that we are in the process of fixing. We’ll be reimbursing impacted participants for the difference in what was paid and what the price will be after the update is available to all members. Of note, beta programs give us the chance to test, fix and correct issues like this. As with all beta, we take the learnings from our program and make corrections and adjustments prior to the update being available to all members. As always, we appreciate the participation of our beta customers in helping us launch and build great products.”

Microsoft, through the use of public beta programs then, redressing the balance in The Force, and through a handy FAQ on the transition from points to cash.

What are your thoughts on the move from points to cash? Is this a good move, or is the cynic in me thinking it will stop those who take advantage of cheaper geographical pricing to get the best deal?

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Is credit cards the only way to add money into the account or will they have something like a microsoft point card for people without credit cards?

http://www.xboxer360.com/ theberrytastic

Point well made! I’m not in the beta myself so I have no idea, although you would expect that MS would make concessions for those without credit cards

PK

Here’s what the FAQ has to say:

How does this change affect me?

You will begin using local currency or an Xbox Gift Card (denominated
in your local currency), in addition to other current payment methods
available in your region, to buy games, videos, and more from your
favorite Xbox stores. When you initiate a purchase or redeem a Points
card or code with your Microsoft account after the next Xbox 360 system
update, we’ll add to your account an amount of currency equal to or
greater than the Marketplace value of your Microsoft Points, and your
Microsoft Points will be retired. The currency we add to your account at the time of the transition will expire on June 1, 2015. However, the currency you purchase and add to your account after the transition will not expire.

So it looks like you will still be able to buy currency cards, a bit like iTunes I guess, ‘when you initiate a purchase or redeem a points card or code’ would suggest to me, that this would be the case.